The Best Way to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink, According to Plumbers
A clogged kitchen sink can be a major inconvenience. Here’s a step-by-step guide recommended by professional plumbers to effectively unclog your kitchen sink:
- Boiling Water Method
- Boil a full kettle of water
- Carefully pour it down the drain in stages
- This can help dissolve and dislodge minor clogs
- Plunger Technique
- Fill the sink with a few inches of water
- Use a sink plunger to create suction
- Plunge vigorously for 20-30 seconds
- Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain
- Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Cover the drain and let sit for 15 minutes
- Flush with hot water
- Manual Removal
- Remove the P-trap under the sink
- Clear any debris you find
- Reassemble and run water to check
- Drain Snake
- Insert a drain snake into the pipe
- Turn the handle to navigate bends
- Pull out to remove the clog
- Enzymatic Drain Cleaner
- Use a natural, enzyme-based cleaner
- Follow product instructions
- This is gentler on pipes than chemical cleaners
- Prevention Tips
- Use a sink strainer to catch food particles
- Avoid pouring grease down the drain
- Run hot water after each use
If these methods don’t work, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Regular maintenance can prevent most clogs from forming in the first place.